NOVEL NEXT Exploiting Hollywood 1980.
Chapter 51 This is a Group Play
Chapter 51 This is a group play
The director picked up the viewfinder hanging around his neck and stared at Meg Tilly for a while.
"Yes, her face is suitable for film."
"Which school did you study acting at?" asked the director to Meg.
"I'm a ballet student at Skidmore College."
"Huh?" The director raised his eyebrows, "You must be a good dancer."
"She injured her back, and she can't dance professional ballet in the future, so she turned into an actress." Ronald hurriedly helped Meg explain.
The director wanted to find some not-so-successful "Loser" actors to film "Hot Lunch", so Meg Tilly's professional ballet background, instead of being an advantage, became a disadvantage.
But if you add the experience of being injured and suffering major setbacks, you will be closer to the role.
"It's okay, let's try her play."
Ronald's answer reflected his understanding of the film, which made the director very satisfied.
It happened that he needed someone to help him watch the casting, the director thought to himself: "I'll call him after the next casting, and try to see if he had a sudden inspiration today, or if he really has the talent for casting."
So it’s not a bad idea to give his girlfriend a small role. Anyway, she also studies ballet, and there are many ballet scenes in the movie.
"You play a ballet dancer who flirts with the boy you like." Director Alan Parker did not give Meg a script, but directed on the spot, "You do this first...then..."
"Ronald, you come to play a role, when the time comes..."
Ronald put down the script he was reading, and the new script that had just been copied was still warm.
He walked to the door and stood still, smiling at Meg Tilly.
Meg was a little nervous. She warmed up with two ballet moves, then raised her hands in a ready position to signal that she was ready.
The director lets her start.
With her hands up, Meg did two ballet pirouettes, then stood still with one leg lifted, like a proud swan.
Ronald was doing a testimonial, "Fortunately, she wore the right shoes today."
Then Meg lost her posture, picked up the little bag, and walked past Ronald.A little physical contact was made lightly on purpose.
Ronald looked at her unexpectedly.
Meg stopped at the door, signaled Ronald with a look, and did not follow.
Ronald was taken aback for a moment, then smiled suddenly after half a second, and followed him out.
Meg acted a little deliberately, and the flirting was not natural.
After all, he has not been polished by an actor training class, Ronald thought to himself.
"Ronald, you acted well. Did you learn acting?" Mr. Director seemed to appreciate Ronald's acting skills more.
"I studied directing, and I also know how to take portraits." Ronald quickly denied, and still wanted to give Meg the opportunity.
"Meg has not received professional acting training. She was previously a contracted actress of the Connecticut Ballet, but she had no choice but to retire because of an injury." Ronald explained to the director.
"Mr. Director, Meg's experience is very suitable for your film. She is very suitable to play a ballet student. Your film needs a lot of young ballet dancers."
It is estimated that Meg's acting skills cannot meet the requirements of the main role for the time being, but it is enough to be a group actor and mix a union card.A one-day contract that meets the union minimum wage.That would make her eligible to apply for membership in the Screen Actors Guild.
"Call me Alan, or Mr. Parker, don't call me Mr. Director." Director Alan Parker laughed beside him, "I don't want to be called the old man of the studio."
"There are still some problems with acting skills. During this time, you ask her to enroll in an acting training class. In short, I will at least give her a Taft Hartley." The director promised.
"What Taft Hartley?" Ronald didn't understand.
Meg Tilly quickly pulled him away, and explained in a low voice: "Taft Hartley means equal treatment. The director will give me a one-day contract, and then I will automatically enjoy the same treatment as a union member for one month. .One month is enough for my union application to be approved."
In order to enter the show business circle, Meg thoroughly studied the details of these careers.
"It's the name of the congressman who passed the bill that year. We usually call it that way." Margaret from the casting studio added to Ronald.
"I'll enroll her in an acting training class, Mr. Parker." Ronald assured the director that if he could be one of the protagonists, it would be a hundred times better than a group performance.
Alan Parker took out two standard contracts from his bag, filled in Meg Tilly's name, and one day's performance time, and filled in the daily wage of 225 US dollars according to the union's minimum wage.It was then given to Meg Tilly to sign.
"This is a one-day employment contract. If you hold this contract, there will be an agent willing to represent you. After he signs it, give me another copy, so that you can use it to apply for actor union qualifications gone."
Meg accepted the contract and hugged Ronald excitedly.
"It's still a while before the hot lunch starts. Meg, you should study acting first. If you make progress, you can also audition for the main role."
"Thank you, Mr. Parker."
After going out to call Meg for a while, a bunch of photos were placed on the table again, Ronald took a look, and sure enough, the people in the photos were not as beautiful and confident as the original group, and all of them were a bit "Loser". Loser temperament.
"I like this, this, and this..." Mr. Director pulled some of the photos aside, "These, we can arrange an audition."
"I will arrange it, but I don't think it's enough, especially for group performances. Do you want to consider auditioning for those high school performing arts students?" Margery replied.
"Yes, Yes, I need some real people, the high school of performing arts students are real performances, that's good, we invite interviews as soon as possible."
"Okay, but most of them haven't joined the Screen Actors Guild. We don't have their audition photos. I will arrange an on-site audition with the school."
"Ronald, come with me, we need your photography skills." The older employee called Ronald and followed her to another room.
"I'm Julia Taylor, and I work in the casting studio," she introduced herself to Ronald.
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Taylor. This is Ronald Lee."
Julia was a middle-aged lady, slightly older, with a very nice smile, like that aunt everyone had.She always has the ability to make the person she talks to feel happy.
"I heard from Margery that you haven't seen Director Alan Parker before?"
"Yes, I saw him for the first time today."
"Did you know he was the director of last year's movie 'Midnight Express'? The one whose screenwriter Oliver Stone won an Oscar for best screenplay."
"Oh, it's him." Ronald smiled embarrassedly, "I worked in a crew last year, and I haven't had time to watch many movies."
"That's okay, on behalf of the casting studio, I can give you a staff photographer position, come here once a week to focus on actors who need to update their audition photos. $40 per person, starting with the audition of the hot lunch crew .”
"The price is quite reasonable. I don't have to think about finding clients or doing marketing. I just need to take pictures." Ronald thought to himself.
"Thank you Ms. Taylor, I will give you a first-class audition photo."
"Director Alan Parker seems to appreciate you very much. He offered to ask you to participate in the next audition for the Hot Lunch crew. If you are willing to agree, and..." Julia Taylor paused and looked directly at Ronald.
Ronald didn't quite understand Julia's implication, "If there is anything I can do for you, Ms. Taylor..."
"Director Alan Parker is from England, and we hope to provide him with thoughtful casting services and try our best to recommend good New York actors to him.
In New York, no one knows more about film casting than us, so if Mr. Director goes to meet with other casting companies, I’m afraid he won’t be able to get professional services..."
"I'll record the names of the other casting companies Mr. Director met, and I'll tell you when I come back, Ms. Taylor."
It turned out that I was afraid that competitors would poach customers. It’s okay to secretly inform me. Who asked me to work for you.
Julia Taylor showed a satisfied smile, "Come here, we will sign a cooperation agreement with you."
"The general casting work is that we first select from the actor pool, and then recommend about 5 actors for each role to the director. The director decides who is suitable, and then invites them to interview."
After the deal was signed, casting director Julia Taylor explained the workflow to Ronald.
"However, this hot lunch is a ensemble play. There are 8 protagonists, more than a dozen secondary roles, and hundreds of people are needed for ensemble performances. Therefore, we will organize a special audition with the High School of Performing Arts in New York. Let the director choose among the high school students."
"You have to take pictures of each audition student on the spot, and those selected by director Alan Parker must be specially recorded and brought back to us for archiving. We will call you with the specific schedule. What is your phone number?"
Ronald reported the phone number, and also wrote down the phone number of the casting studio. He checked with Julia one by one, and clarified the content of his work.
"Go ahead, you can celebrate with your girlfriend today."
Ronald found Meg Tilly, who was happily chirping with Margery like a little bird, and the two said goodbye to the director, exchanged phone calls, and then jumped out of the casting studio.
"Have you been selected? What are the director's requirements?"
"Why can they go in, it's not fair."
The boys and girls at the door surrounded the two and became concerned.
Seeing that he couldn't get away temporarily, Ronald announced loudly, "I'm a photographer, not an actor, and I'm here to send audition photos."
"I heard from the people in the casting studio that the casting of this movie will be open to the public, and all students from the performing arts high school will have the opportunity to participate."
There was a bang, and the crowd continued to discuss, and some people ran to the nearby phone booth to make calls.
Ronald took the opportunity to scurry away with Meg Tilly.
……
"Hahahaha" Meg was as happy as a little dove along the way, raising her hands and running fast on the road.Ronald chased after him, picked Meg up in his arms, and the two circled around several times.
The two stopped and looked at each other for a long time.
"Thank you, Ronald." Meg's voice became extremely soft, and Ronald seemed to be able to feel her beating heart.
"It's okay for you to patronize and thank you. It's because you are suitable for the film industry."
Meg simply put her arms around Ronald's neck, jumped up, and kissed Ronald several times.
"I'm so happy, Ronald, it's like a dream," said Meg softly, looking into Ronald's eyes.
Ronald hugged Meg, smelling all kinds of pleasant smells from her, and couldn't help being intoxicated for a while.
"Yesterday I was a desperate ex-ballet dancer, and today I got a formal contract with the crew, and I've entered the industry. You helped me do this, thank you." Meg was a little emotional as she spoke, leaning her head against Rona German head.
"Tomorrow may be a big star." Ronald put his arms around her gently, and the two kissed together.
The casting studio was not far from home, and the two of them who ran all the way had actually reached the artist's apartment, but Meg didn't want to go upstairs yet.
"Ronald, can you take a tour of the pier on the South Shore of Manhattan with me first? I've been dancing hard since I came to New York, and I haven't been to the Statue of Liberty yet."
"Okay, no problem, I often pass by the Goddess by boat, and I can be your tour guide." After the tour in the afternoon, we can also go to a movie, and then buy some food and wine in the evening to celebrate your entry into the industry.
"Ronnie, it's so kind of you..."
On the other side, in the afternoon, in the casting studio, two casting directors, Julia Taylor and Margery, sent off Director Alan Parker.
"What the hell do you think Ellen is doing? Why did you give us a wrong script?" Margery asked.
"I still can't figure out what he means. Maybe it's because the script has been revised, or maybe he wants to replace us with other casting directors." Julia Taylor said seriously, changing her smile before.
"Then we...continue to cast him according to the revised plan?"
"Go ahead. Don't worry too much, I'm already with the director and arranged an insider."
(End of this chapter)
The director picked up the viewfinder hanging around his neck and stared at Meg Tilly for a while.
"Yes, her face is suitable for film."
"Which school did you study acting at?" asked the director to Meg.
"I'm a ballet student at Skidmore College."
"Huh?" The director raised his eyebrows, "You must be a good dancer."
"She injured her back, and she can't dance professional ballet in the future, so she turned into an actress." Ronald hurriedly helped Meg explain.
The director wanted to find some not-so-successful "Loser" actors to film "Hot Lunch", so Meg Tilly's professional ballet background, instead of being an advantage, became a disadvantage.
But if you add the experience of being injured and suffering major setbacks, you will be closer to the role.
"It's okay, let's try her play."
Ronald's answer reflected his understanding of the film, which made the director very satisfied.
It happened that he needed someone to help him watch the casting, the director thought to himself: "I'll call him after the next casting, and try to see if he had a sudden inspiration today, or if he really has the talent for casting."
So it’s not a bad idea to give his girlfriend a small role. Anyway, she also studies ballet, and there are many ballet scenes in the movie.
"You play a ballet dancer who flirts with the boy you like." Director Alan Parker did not give Meg a script, but directed on the spot, "You do this first...then..."
"Ronald, you come to play a role, when the time comes..."
Ronald put down the script he was reading, and the new script that had just been copied was still warm.
He walked to the door and stood still, smiling at Meg Tilly.
Meg was a little nervous. She warmed up with two ballet moves, then raised her hands in a ready position to signal that she was ready.
The director lets her start.
With her hands up, Meg did two ballet pirouettes, then stood still with one leg lifted, like a proud swan.
Ronald was doing a testimonial, "Fortunately, she wore the right shoes today."
Then Meg lost her posture, picked up the little bag, and walked past Ronald.A little physical contact was made lightly on purpose.
Ronald looked at her unexpectedly.
Meg stopped at the door, signaled Ronald with a look, and did not follow.
Ronald was taken aback for a moment, then smiled suddenly after half a second, and followed him out.
Meg acted a little deliberately, and the flirting was not natural.
After all, he has not been polished by an actor training class, Ronald thought to himself.
"Ronald, you acted well. Did you learn acting?" Mr. Director seemed to appreciate Ronald's acting skills more.
"I studied directing, and I also know how to take portraits." Ronald quickly denied, and still wanted to give Meg the opportunity.
"Meg has not received professional acting training. She was previously a contracted actress of the Connecticut Ballet, but she had no choice but to retire because of an injury." Ronald explained to the director.
"Mr. Director, Meg's experience is very suitable for your film. She is very suitable to play a ballet student. Your film needs a lot of young ballet dancers."
It is estimated that Meg's acting skills cannot meet the requirements of the main role for the time being, but it is enough to be a group actor and mix a union card.A one-day contract that meets the union minimum wage.That would make her eligible to apply for membership in the Screen Actors Guild.
"Call me Alan, or Mr. Parker, don't call me Mr. Director." Director Alan Parker laughed beside him, "I don't want to be called the old man of the studio."
"There are still some problems with acting skills. During this time, you ask her to enroll in an acting training class. In short, I will at least give her a Taft Hartley." The director promised.
"What Taft Hartley?" Ronald didn't understand.
Meg Tilly quickly pulled him away, and explained in a low voice: "Taft Hartley means equal treatment. The director will give me a one-day contract, and then I will automatically enjoy the same treatment as a union member for one month. .One month is enough for my union application to be approved."
In order to enter the show business circle, Meg thoroughly studied the details of these careers.
"It's the name of the congressman who passed the bill that year. We usually call it that way." Margaret from the casting studio added to Ronald.
"I'll enroll her in an acting training class, Mr. Parker." Ronald assured the director that if he could be one of the protagonists, it would be a hundred times better than a group performance.
Alan Parker took out two standard contracts from his bag, filled in Meg Tilly's name, and one day's performance time, and filled in the daily wage of 225 US dollars according to the union's minimum wage.It was then given to Meg Tilly to sign.
"This is a one-day employment contract. If you hold this contract, there will be an agent willing to represent you. After he signs it, give me another copy, so that you can use it to apply for actor union qualifications gone."
Meg accepted the contract and hugged Ronald excitedly.
"It's still a while before the hot lunch starts. Meg, you should study acting first. If you make progress, you can also audition for the main role."
"Thank you, Mr. Parker."
After going out to call Meg for a while, a bunch of photos were placed on the table again, Ronald took a look, and sure enough, the people in the photos were not as beautiful and confident as the original group, and all of them were a bit "Loser". Loser temperament.
"I like this, this, and this..." Mr. Director pulled some of the photos aside, "These, we can arrange an audition."
"I will arrange it, but I don't think it's enough, especially for group performances. Do you want to consider auditioning for those high school performing arts students?" Margery replied.
"Yes, Yes, I need some real people, the high school of performing arts students are real performances, that's good, we invite interviews as soon as possible."
"Okay, but most of them haven't joined the Screen Actors Guild. We don't have their audition photos. I will arrange an on-site audition with the school."
"Ronald, come with me, we need your photography skills." The older employee called Ronald and followed her to another room.
"I'm Julia Taylor, and I work in the casting studio," she introduced herself to Ronald.
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Taylor. This is Ronald Lee."
Julia was a middle-aged lady, slightly older, with a very nice smile, like that aunt everyone had.She always has the ability to make the person she talks to feel happy.
"I heard from Margery that you haven't seen Director Alan Parker before?"
"Yes, I saw him for the first time today."
"Did you know he was the director of last year's movie 'Midnight Express'? The one whose screenwriter Oliver Stone won an Oscar for best screenplay."
"Oh, it's him." Ronald smiled embarrassedly, "I worked in a crew last year, and I haven't had time to watch many movies."
"That's okay, on behalf of the casting studio, I can give you a staff photographer position, come here once a week to focus on actors who need to update their audition photos. $40 per person, starting with the audition of the hot lunch crew .”
"The price is quite reasonable. I don't have to think about finding clients or doing marketing. I just need to take pictures." Ronald thought to himself.
"Thank you Ms. Taylor, I will give you a first-class audition photo."
"Director Alan Parker seems to appreciate you very much. He offered to ask you to participate in the next audition for the Hot Lunch crew. If you are willing to agree, and..." Julia Taylor paused and looked directly at Ronald.
Ronald didn't quite understand Julia's implication, "If there is anything I can do for you, Ms. Taylor..."
"Director Alan Parker is from England, and we hope to provide him with thoughtful casting services and try our best to recommend good New York actors to him.
In New York, no one knows more about film casting than us, so if Mr. Director goes to meet with other casting companies, I’m afraid he won’t be able to get professional services..."
"I'll record the names of the other casting companies Mr. Director met, and I'll tell you when I come back, Ms. Taylor."
It turned out that I was afraid that competitors would poach customers. It’s okay to secretly inform me. Who asked me to work for you.
Julia Taylor showed a satisfied smile, "Come here, we will sign a cooperation agreement with you."
"The general casting work is that we first select from the actor pool, and then recommend about 5 actors for each role to the director. The director decides who is suitable, and then invites them to interview."
After the deal was signed, casting director Julia Taylor explained the workflow to Ronald.
"However, this hot lunch is a ensemble play. There are 8 protagonists, more than a dozen secondary roles, and hundreds of people are needed for ensemble performances. Therefore, we will organize a special audition with the High School of Performing Arts in New York. Let the director choose among the high school students."
"You have to take pictures of each audition student on the spot, and those selected by director Alan Parker must be specially recorded and brought back to us for archiving. We will call you with the specific schedule. What is your phone number?"
Ronald reported the phone number, and also wrote down the phone number of the casting studio. He checked with Julia one by one, and clarified the content of his work.
"Go ahead, you can celebrate with your girlfriend today."
Ronald found Meg Tilly, who was happily chirping with Margery like a little bird, and the two said goodbye to the director, exchanged phone calls, and then jumped out of the casting studio.
"Have you been selected? What are the director's requirements?"
"Why can they go in, it's not fair."
The boys and girls at the door surrounded the two and became concerned.
Seeing that he couldn't get away temporarily, Ronald announced loudly, "I'm a photographer, not an actor, and I'm here to send audition photos."
"I heard from the people in the casting studio that the casting of this movie will be open to the public, and all students from the performing arts high school will have the opportunity to participate."
There was a bang, and the crowd continued to discuss, and some people ran to the nearby phone booth to make calls.
Ronald took the opportunity to scurry away with Meg Tilly.
……
"Hahahaha" Meg was as happy as a little dove along the way, raising her hands and running fast on the road.Ronald chased after him, picked Meg up in his arms, and the two circled around several times.
The two stopped and looked at each other for a long time.
"Thank you, Ronald." Meg's voice became extremely soft, and Ronald seemed to be able to feel her beating heart.
"It's okay for you to patronize and thank you. It's because you are suitable for the film industry."
Meg simply put her arms around Ronald's neck, jumped up, and kissed Ronald several times.
"I'm so happy, Ronald, it's like a dream," said Meg softly, looking into Ronald's eyes.
Ronald hugged Meg, smelling all kinds of pleasant smells from her, and couldn't help being intoxicated for a while.
"Yesterday I was a desperate ex-ballet dancer, and today I got a formal contract with the crew, and I've entered the industry. You helped me do this, thank you." Meg was a little emotional as she spoke, leaning her head against Rona German head.
"Tomorrow may be a big star." Ronald put his arms around her gently, and the two kissed together.
The casting studio was not far from home, and the two of them who ran all the way had actually reached the artist's apartment, but Meg didn't want to go upstairs yet.
"Ronald, can you take a tour of the pier on the South Shore of Manhattan with me first? I've been dancing hard since I came to New York, and I haven't been to the Statue of Liberty yet."
"Okay, no problem, I often pass by the Goddess by boat, and I can be your tour guide." After the tour in the afternoon, we can also go to a movie, and then buy some food and wine in the evening to celebrate your entry into the industry.
"Ronnie, it's so kind of you..."
On the other side, in the afternoon, in the casting studio, two casting directors, Julia Taylor and Margery, sent off Director Alan Parker.
"What the hell do you think Ellen is doing? Why did you give us a wrong script?" Margery asked.
"I still can't figure out what he means. Maybe it's because the script has been revised, or maybe he wants to replace us with other casting directors." Julia Taylor said seriously, changing her smile before.
"Then we...continue to cast him according to the revised plan?"
"Go ahead. Don't worry too much, I'm already with the director and arranged an insider."
(End of this chapter)
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